U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama has started a legal defense fund to help cover his bills in response to an investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics into allegations that he used his office for personal gain, reports Birmingham News writer Mary Orndorff.

Such funds are approved by the House Ethics Committee for members to raise money to deal with legal matters arising from their official duties. Bachus, a Vestavia Hills Republican, is one of several members accused of using their access to nonpublic information to inform their personal investment decisions, but he's the only one known to be under investigation.

And Friday night, Bachus issued a more detailed statement about the investigation and for the first time acknowledged its impact on his current re-election campaign. Response to the announcement among members of the online community made clear some of the impact on his current campaign for re-election. Read some of what people are saying:

• "I have donated to Spense in the past... No More. It is clear to me he has gained from represented my family while our assets have diminished. What he did may not be illegal, but was plain wrong. Those who point out others have sinned , does not forgive the congressman's thievery" -- truthanhonor

• "Only difference between Bacchus and every other politician is he got caught. Hope he rots." -- johnc22

• "Spencer needs to use the money made from those investments and apply it towards his legal defense fund." -- BigCityBall